Category: Administration

Approval: Feb 2009

Introduction
The Australian Federal Government through the Department of Education Science and Training has established regulations which govern the provision of educational services to international students. These regulations are called the educational Services to Overseas Students (ESOS) Regulations. Legislation covering this area is the Federal ESOS Act of 2000.
The ESOS Act 2000 provides for refund of tuition fees to overseas students in certain circumstances.
Scope
This policy applies to all tuition and other fees received by VCHN College of Health and Nursing from overseas students whether in Australia or overseas.
Eligibility for Fee Refund
Application for fee refund will be considered under the following circumstances.

• If notice is given no later than 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the course, any tuition fees paid will be fully refundable. If notice is received 4 to 8 weeks prior to course commencement, 80% of tuition fees paid will be refunded. If withdrawal is less than 4 weeks prior to course commencing 70% of fees will be refunded.
• If the applicant’s visa to enter Australia has been refused, any tuition fees already paid will be fully refunded.
• If a student needs to withdraw due to circumstances beyond their control, such as a death in the family, the fee or part thereof may be refundable.
• If a student enrols in a course the College is unable to offer, and notice of course cancellation is provided by the College before course commencement, any fees paid will be fully refunded.
• If a student enrols in a course which the College subsequently cancels before a student has completed all the course requirements, any fees payable for the uncompleted portion of the course will be fully refunded. Alternatively, the College may arrange for another course, or part of the course, to be provided at the College’s expense. If the student agrees to accept this arrangement, the College would no longer be liable for the refund of any tuition fees.
• At any time if there is a genuine reason for wishing to withdraw from the program, counseling and consideration will be given to ensure that there is fair and reasonable treatment of both the student and the College.
  

Ineligibility for fee refund
Applications for fee refunds in the following circumstances will not normally be approved.

• If false or misleading information or documents are provided prior to or at the time of enrolment.
• If a student’s visa is terminated because of non- compliance with Business Visa conditions.
  

Client Fees Paid in Advance
VCHN College of Health and Nursing (VCHN) will safeguard student fees paid in advance by;

• Being a member of an approved Tuition Assurance Scheme (for onshore students)
• Accepting progressive payments from students studying VCHN courses overseas. The initial payment will cover administrative costs and fees for 50% of the course the student is enrolled in. The remaining 50% tuition fees will be due when half of the delivery has been completed.